Spiced Basmati Rice
Transform your mealtime with this fragrant and flavorful Spiced Basmati Rice, a perfect harmony of aromatic spices and delicate grains. This easy-to-make recipe combines basmati rice with a medley of warming spices like cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and cumin, all gently sautéed in rich ghee or butter for a luxurious depth of flavor. The result is a fluffy, perfectly seasoned rice dish that pairs beautifully with curries, stews, grilled meats, or roasted vegetables. Ready in just 25 minutes, including prep, this versatile side dish is ideal for weeknight dinners or festive gatherings. Garnished with fresh cilantro for a pop of color and freshness, Spiced Basmati Rice is guaranteed to elevate any meal with its enticing aroma and delightful taste.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup Basmati rice
- 1.5 cups Water
- 1 piece Cinnamon stick
- 4 pods Cardamom pods
- 4 whole Cloves
- 1 piece Bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon Cumin seeds
- 2 tablespoons Ghee or unsalted butter
- 0.5 teaspoons Salt
- 2 tablespoons Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until it runs clear. This helps remove excess starch and prevents the rice from being sticky.
Soak the rinsed rice in water for 20 minutes, then drain thoroughly.
In a medium saucepan, heat the ghee or unsalted butter over medium heat until melted.
Add the cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, cloves, bay leaf, and cumin seeds to the pan. Sauté the spices for 1-2 minutes until they become fragrant.
Stir in the drained basmati rice and sauté for another 1-2 minutes, ensuring each grain is coated with the spiced ghee.
Pour in 1.5 cups of water and add the salt. Stir gently to combine.
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid, and let the rice simmer for 15 minutes.
After 15 minutes, turn off the heat and let the rice rest, covered, for an additional 5 minutes to finish steaming.
Fluff the rice gently with a fork, remove the whole spices (cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, cloves, and bay leaf), and garnish with fresh chopped cilantro if desired.
Serve warm as a side dish or base for your favorite curry or stew.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
539 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 31.0 g | 40% | |
| Saturated Fat | 18.8 g | 94% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 67 mg | 22% | |
| Sodium | 1222 mg | 53% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 60.5 g | 22% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 5.8 g | 21% | |
| Total Sugars | 0.3 g | ||
| Protein | 8.3 g | 17% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 157 mg | 12% | |
| Iron | 6.4 mg | 36% | |
| Potassium | 221 mg | 5% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
